Bridges lose out in Guernsey

A game that everybody from Guernsey supporters to match officials alike thought should have ended in a draw produced two contrasting moments where the game was won and lost.

After 68 minutes Ben Godfrey, who’d come close a couple of times himself in the first half, sent over the most inviting of crosses. Sammy MacVicar met it but agonisingly put the ball over the crossbar.

Just seven minutes later Luke Winch got the better of Matt Daniel for once on the right flank and his cross to the far post was met by the head of Dom Heaume for what was the only goal of a game which generally defences ruled.

Godfrey drove wide from an early effort after Lee Carney played a delightful through-ball, and it was Godfrey again who saw another good effort deflected for a corner.

Kieran Thorp showed his quality with a brave save at the feet of Glyn Dyer, but Bridges had a set-back when Callum Donaghey pulled his hamstring and had to be replaced by the diminutive Mitchell Cassleman.

A few positional changes kept Bridges reasonably comfortable with the likes of Jamie Crellin looking calm in his first match back from suspension, Drew Cooney having an impressive first start for the side, Nigel Brake reading the game brilliantly in his first start of the season and Mark Pulling showing his versatility as he played in a variety of positions.

But Casselman was not fazed by the occasion at all and he was quickly into the action alongside Carney in midfield.

Godfrey fired just over from Cooney’s pass whilst at the other end Jacques Isabelle saw a shot deflected over the bar. Matt Loaring shot wide of the far post and Crellin showed impressive strength to hold off Ross Allen.

Tony Garrod had a couple of half-chances on the turn and Carney scuffed a late effort wide.

But it really was an afternoon when defences ruled and the home crowd seemed more amused by their club mascot Roary for many of the 90 minutes!